Wood Green School marks 50 years of comprehensive education

Half a century ago, Witney schools converted to the comprehensive system from the grammar school and secondary modern structure and Wood Green School held a special event to mark the milestone.

More than 60 pupils from the class of ‘68 returned for the party, with one, David Le Marquand, travelling all the way from New Zealand, while some of their ex-teachers also attended.

A ‘back to school’ feel accompanied the festivities, with everyone given an original Wood Green tie and many people brining memorabilia from their schooldays.

Former teacher Steve Bacon part-organised the event and admitted he was touched by how many of his ex-pupils turned up.

He said: “It was a very special occasion and quite emotional for me to see them all and hear about their lives since Wood Green.

“I’m so glad they all enjoyed the occasion.

“I often think about the class of ‘68 and never imagined I would see so many of them again.”

The celebrations, held on Friday, included performances from the Wood Green Senior Choir and questions from new Year 7 pupils to the first comprehensive cohort.

Tours of the school and the range of memorabilia provided a throwback to the past, with one pupil even bringing his maths homework 45 years late.

Andrew Pooley, the son of the first Wood Green headteacher, Horace Pooley, gave a speech where he talked about his father’s pride in creating a school where everyone felt welcome and valued.

Rob Shadbolt, the current headteacher of Wood Green, echoed the sentiment and paid tribute to the school’s ethos.

He said: “It was a privilege to welcome the pupils and teachers of 1968 back to school.

“Although we identified together many changes over the last 50 years, it was clear that the spirit of 1968 and 2018 were exactly the same.

He added: “The fact that people were prepared to travel across the country and even the world to be there showed the special bond that being the first comprehensive cohort created.”